Valve actuating mechanism for internal-combustion engines



Nov. "5, 1946. s. E. HOWARD VALVE ACTUATING MECHANISM FOR INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES Filed larch 3,1 19 45 4 sheets -sheet 1 INVENTOR George E. H ward ATTORNEY Nov. 5, 1946. w 5. E. HOWARD I VALVE ACTUATING MECHANISM FOR INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES Filed llafch :s. 1945 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 30 5 v if,

l 3 i I I 3112 14 4 m. Tm I (I I I I 22 //,i/ :26 I Y I 1 I ll Z I I" 17 I I Fig; 2.

, INVEND x Georys EHQward BY 7 ATTORNEY ABJOLIIHT PRfSSl/AE'INPOUNDS No'v. '5, 1946.

G. E. HOWARD VALVE ACTUATING MECHANISM FOR INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES Filed larch s, 1945 comPnsssm Smea- 4 Sheets-Shet 4" cou nassmu sacs sin/wanna Patented Nov. 5, 1946 UlTED- STATES PATENT OFFICE VALVE ACTUATIN G MECHANISM FOR IN TERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES George E. Howard, Butler, Pa.

Application March 3, 1945, Serial No. 580,824

4 Claims. 1

being somewhat similar economies of operation in the two applications, a greater total economy being secured if the two inventions are both employed in an engine.

Among the objects and advantages of this application are the following:

1. Fuel saving through reduction in engine friction, as by (a) power saving through reduction in negative load or pumping, in drawing in the fuel mixture, (b) reduction of the power required for moving the inletvalve, at light loads, reduction of wear on cylinder wall and bearings, through saving in the power required to introduce the fuel mixture into the engine cylinder.

2. Improvement in the cycle of fuel flow, by providing means to vary the time and extent of the opening of the fuel inlet valve for various loads thereby controlling the overlap in movements of the inlet and exhaust valves, thus reducing adulteration of the fuel mixture by the exhaust gases.

3. Means for tightly cutting off fuel intake dur.. ing descent -of grades, without free wheeling,

thereby saving fuel during compression braking; 4. Providing for the equalization of intake of fuel mixture to the various engine cylinders, at all loads, thereby balancing or rendering uniform the power produced in each cylinderl Certain advantages of this application are common to the objects in my said copending application. For example, the principal concept is that the average automobile requires greater than normal power for acceleration and steep Any improvement or disadvantage to fuel cost at heavy loads would have a negligible effect on average economy. Again, the fuel and power required to overcome the frictional losses of the engine'and its accessories is equal to the amount of fuel and power required for average driving.

Since the average power requirements are small as compared to the maximum power of the engine, the savings in the said power losses, although small compared to the maximum power of the engine, result in a greater average gain in fuel economy, with consequent greater increase in miles traveled per gallon.

A further saving arises out of the fact that the starting motor when driven by the battery has to overcome the'pumping action required for introducing the fuel mixture into the engine cylinders. By the use of the present invention, this pumping force is less than onefourth that which is now required, thus giving longer battery life or permitting reduction in the size of the battery, and the starting motor.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a schematic view showing the manner in which the 'fuel inlet valves are controlled by an accelerator pedal; Fig. 2 is an enlarged vertical sectional view showing the manner in which one of the fuel inlet valves of Fig, 1 is mounted and operated; Fig. 3 is-a plan view of a portion of the apparatus of Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is a vertical sectional yiewof a por- 'various loads and conditions, and Figs. 10 and 11 respectively show modifications of the valve-lifting apparatus of Fig. 2. I

Only so much of an automobile structure is shown in the drawings as is necessary to an understanding of my invention and the other parts of the vehicle may be of various well known standard forms. Two cylinders of an automobile engine are indicated by the numerals 2, the fuel mixture being supplied thereto, through a manifold or fuel supply line 3 and past poppet valves 5 into combustion spaces l where the explosion mixture is ignited by spark plugs ii. A spring 1 of sufficient expansive force to hold the valve seated against the suction within the cylinder is interposed between a guide bushing 8 and a seating block 9 on the valve stem, the valve stem having sliding movement in the bushing 8. The lower Fig. l, which valves may be of conventional form operated in the usual manner by a conventional connected to short shafts ii that are in turn supported-by earsli on crank arms it, the parts being held in assembled relation byv pins l1. At their upper ends, the arms I 6 are rigidly connected to a rock shaft I8 by pins l9, so that when the shaft i8 is rocked, it will shift the lifting elements l2 along the lower end of the valve stem- I ill to various other positions, depending upon the time and'distance thefuel inlet valve is to be opened. Springs l4 adiustably connected at 20 to the arms l6, and to the levers l2, hold the wedge elements I2 against the cams 26.

The upper side of each valve-lifting element l2 is'curved transversely as'shown at 2! in Fig. 4 so as to conform to and maintain alinement with the lower curved end of the valve stem I0. The usual cam shaft 24 is provided for operating the inlet valves and exhaust valves 25.

The valve-lifting lever i 2 is always resting upon the cam and is cut away at 22 so that when the lever I2 is in its foremost position Y, the camming element 26, when it comes into engagement with this recess at 22, will not raise the lever far enough to open the valve 5. This is a condition which is frequently desirable when descending steep grades, so that the braking effect of the pistons pumping in their cylinders will be secured, without waste of fuel such as would take place if the fuel inlet valves 5v were held open sufliciently for engine idling. The usual throttle valve is not required with the poppet valve operating mechanism just described.

The contours of the Wedge at 23 are such that when the'lever I2 is at its rearmost position 5!, as shown in Fig. 2, the cam 26 will raise it to the position shown, at which the valve 5 will be given its maximum opening movement, with consequent suction of a fuel charge into the cylinder 2 during down-stroke of the piston 21. With the lever 12 at position Z of the arm IS, the valve 5 will be raised by the cam 26 only high enough for idling of the engine. 1 Settings at points between Z and X will give various desired times and distances of valve opening. When there is any lift earlier stage under light load than at heavy loads.

with respect to the suction stroke of the piston.

'In other words, at light load the valve may P erably be opened slightly sooner with respect to the suction stroke of the piston than under heavy loads, so that there will be adequate fuel drawn into the cylinder at light loads notwithstandin g: restricted degree of valve opening at that The distance A gcenter of valve stem and axis of cam shaft 24) is fixed, and the distance Q (from axis of shaft l3 to axis of cam shaft 24) can be reduced, thus increasing the leverage for lifting the valve stem, until the distance'B between these twoshafts is reached. The changes in liftin leverage are desirable under certain changes in load conditions. For example, a greater lifting [leverage as between the wedge i2 and the cam 26 is desirable at low loads than at heavier loads,

because the angular distance of contact between 5 the cam and the wedge during lifting is normally less at low loads than at heavier loads. Normally. the shorter time would give lower distance of lift, as the amount of lift usually is proportional to the duration of cam contact. To oflset this normally low lift. the lifting leverage is increased by movement fromtheheavier load (X) to light load (Z) positions so as to provide more adequate opening of the fuel valve 5. The'oiisetting of the cam shaft 24 with respect to the axis of the valve stem In, in conjunction with the use of a lifting lever such as I2 has a further advantage, independently of whether the lever is shiftable or not, in, that it permits of a greater range of lifting movement of the valve for a-given ofiset on a cam, thus permitting the use of a cam having a more desirable approach angle.

Since the cam shaft is rotated clockwise on a fixed axis and the wedge cam I2 is shifted counterclockwise, such arrangement in connection with the variation in contour of the wedge cam at 23 provides for varying the starting of the valve lift within limits either earlier or later for different power loads as requirements may change.

Because each cam is separate from the others. it can be so shaped or contoured that the roper gas supply will be provided for each cylinder at all loads and to correct unbalance of cylinders such as results when a number of cylinders are fed from a point not equidistant to all. This in-' vention thus avoids the necessity of a definitely planned firing order of the cylinders to meet unbalance.

40 of a throttle and correspondingly less power required, the friction in various ways such as the wear on the cylinder wall, etc., is reduced. As the time and the lift-of the intake valve are less for the lighter loads, the power required and the wear on cams, etc., is reduced.

, The rock shaft I8 is operated by an accelerator pedal 29 which is piv otally mounted at 30 within an automobile. A link 3| has ball-and-socket connections at 32 and 33 with the pedal 29 and a crank arm 34 on the shaft l8, so that when the pedal is depressed, the shaft will b rocked in a counterclockwise direction (Fig. 2) to shift the valve lifting levers i2 rearwardly towardthe-position X, the extent to which'the cam raises the lever l2 and hence the degree of valve opening and amount of fuel admitted depending, of course, upon the extent to which the pedal is depressed. A spring 35, connected to the floor board 38 and to the link 3 I, normally urges the pedal in a clockwise direction and thus tends to pull the valve lifting levers [2 to position Z at which the inlet valves will be lifted to admit only idling fuel.

- Normally, .the pedal will be moved only between positions 36 and 31.

A spring 40 is mounted between a fixed seat 4| and the lower end of the pedal. This spring soiliciently resists the action of the spring 38 to prevent complete retraction of the lifting levers l2 to their foremost positions at Y and thus permits of a sumcient fuel supply for idling operatiorr of the engine.

In descending steep hills, when it is desired to use the pumping action within the cylinder as a. retarding or brakingforce, without waste of fuel and with greater effectiveness than. if idling By' the use of a poppet valve cut-off instead z "aii eco fuel were supplied, as is common. ractice, the entire exhaust stroke'and the intake'is open the driver will press his heel'against the lower porsame time or 244 degrees. As a result, the extion of the pedal with sufllclent firmness to comhau t valve opens usually 5'7 degrees before the press the spring 40 thus rocking the pedal clockend of. the expansion stroke. This point 6; on wise asufiicient distance to push the arms it 'to 5 Fig. 5 indicates standard, while H is recommended the position Y in Fig. 2 at which point the levers withmy invention. At H the gases have expanded it will not be raised high enough to lift the valves further and are lower in temperature; thus power 5. As above stated, the springs I will hold the is gained and loss' of heatwhich passesto exhaust I valves 5 closed against any suction within the cylreduced.

inders, so that no fuel will be admitted under the This reduction of temperature of gases'at openconditions just explained. ing of exhaust valve is important, as the burning Fig. 5 shows an indicator diagram ofthe nega-f of valves is a common occurrence as they operate tive loa or resistance to engine movements,. at present too near the break-down temperature. caused by the vacuum or suction created through Any reduction in the working temperature such displacement of the engine piston during fuel in-- as by my invention increases the life an gives take andthe compression thereof,-both of, which a margin of safety proportionally greater than result in reduction or loss of engine power. The i. the relatively small drop in operating tempera diagrams shown in this figure are conventional ture. The changeof opening point of exhaust and well known to the art and therefore need no valve from G to H increases power at average explanation except as to the dlflerences resulting go loads represented by diagram Fig. 5. Power inf from the use of my invention. x crease is equal to shaded area 1, less shaded area The shaded portion a, b, c, d, a, shows the area J. The exhaust valve also closes 6 to 7 degrees of negative power in conventional practice where after the completion of exhaust stroke. Concurthe supply of fuel mixture is controlled by a throtrently the intake valve should open before the tie valve between carburetor and manifold. The start of the intake stroke about 9 /2 degrees. This total area shaded represents the negative power. makes an overlap of about 16 degrees when the lost in conventional operation by throttle. -The intake valve and the adjoining exhaust valve are double shaded area a, b, 'e, j, a, represents the both open. As exhaust pressure is above atmosnegative power lost for the same fuel intake when pheric and intake manifold pressures is sub-atthis invention is used. Saving is over 90% at 3 mospheric, exhaust'gas passes into the manifold. this low or average load. After cut-off at -b, the -At' full load the pressure between exhaust and expansion of charge to 0, causes a negative pull manifold is small, the-valve openings are small on the piston, butiit is replaced on the compresand the volume of fuel supplied is large. The

sion stroke and fo ows the'same line back to b, dilution of fuel charge by exhaust gas is not im-'- thus leaving only the small double shaded porportant. But at the average load, used over 98% tion a, b, e, ,f, a, as net negative power. a of the time,'the pressure drop between exhaust Figures 6, 7, 8 and 9show the same factor at and manifold is four times as much, the valve different loads and under different conditions. opening the saine and the volume of fuel one- Figures 6, '7 and 8 show graphically how this third as much, so that the effect of this dilution invention may advantageously be used in con- 40 is twelve times as great. As a result, some modern junction with my said copending application. cars have cut down the overlap by opening the.

Fig. 9 shows the advantage of this invention in inlet at top center although this means decreased conjunction with the standard practice of a fixed maximum power.

compression space. Y I In my invention, the exhaust valve operates in F represents the compression spaces of standthe desired manner and the inlet valve can be ard engines and E the initial compression space opened at any desired point relative to the clos-' used with my copending application. ing of exhaust, thus giving the best operation at In all Figures 6, 7, 8 and 9, the negative load ll loads. The overlap may eincreased withreferred to in connection with this invention is out detrimental results, as the pressure drop beshown in double-shaded area and the total shaded 5 tween exhaust n in t. pr sure is low andsubareas represent the negative load in each instance, stantially even for all loads. I when my present inventionisnot used. y invention, by reducing the pumping load,

Fig. 6 shows a fullpower diagram. Here the saves that power directly. This negative power, saving is small, as total shaded area is only about Pl s n equal reduction in the po i ive PbWer one-third larger than the double shaded area. double the negative p wer, reduces the friction of Figure 7 shows an idling diagram using both e pi ton on W s. -.Which constitutes about inventions, and Figure 9 an idling diagram using 1 en ne fricti n. the present invention with standard compression Power and wear to parts are saved, as the inlet space F. valves are opened only one-half the distance and Figure 8 shows an average load diagram, using 80 against one-half the maximum spring resistance both inventions. for 98% of the time, saving three-fourths of'the Comparing Figs. '7 and 9, there is shown a sav wear and power now requiredall the time. These ing in both cases, but the saving is partly due to accumulated savings in the operation or this inthe use of my copending application as the total vention total about 25% of the power required to negative area isless in '7 than in 9, and this dif- 05 propel the car.

ferenceshows the gain made by my copending In order to secure the advantages of variable application without the use of this invention. range of lifting of the poppet valve under various Figure 5 shows an advantage of this invention load conditions and-yet to 'permit of greater lee over standard. practice for average loads. way in engine design, as in the 'case of automobile Limitations imposed due to high speeds of revoengines where space is limited, other 'arrangelution make complete exhausting of the burned ments of cam and lifting lever can b used than products of combustion impossible during the that shown in Fig. 2. For'exampla'as shown in exhaust stroke of 180 degrees. In order to get Fig. 10,'the center of the cam shaft 24 can be the best compromise result, the exhaust valve is placed in axial alinement with the axis of the open 244 degrees or 64 degrees more than the valve stem in. In this case, the contours of the i of the valve stem axis.

wedge or lifting lever a will be somewhat diiIerentbut will give the desired ranges and duration of valve lifting movement under various load con-' completely closed by its spring.

A similar situation exists with respect to Fig. 11,

except the valve lift by the cam 26 and lever 46,

for a given cam throw is somewhat less than in either Fig. 2 Fig. 10, since the axes of the cam shaft and the lever fulcrum are at opposite sides Here too, the wedge 46 will be drawn rearwardly to reducethe valve lift, or to prevent any opening at all of the valve, by the cam.

While the cam and lifting lever or wedge arrangement is herein described as employed in connection with valves of the poppet type, it will be understood that the invention maybe employed with other forms of fuel inlet valves, as for example the sleeve valve engin of my said application.

I claim as my invention:

1. The combination with an internal combustion engine which has a fuel inlet valve, a cylinder with a piston reciprocable therein, and a, spring for yieldably holding the valve closed, of a device operable to periodically open the valve, a mem-- ber movable to normally control the extent to which the valve will be opened by said device, an accelerator pedal for operating said member, and a stop spring for yieldably resisting movevalve, to a point at which it will normally transmit periodic opening movements thereto suflicient to admit fuel to the cylinder in quantity only for idling, and means normally limiting such movement of the said element to its position at said idling point, but capable of being rendered ineffective to prevent further movement of the element in said one direction.

3. The combination with an internal combustion engine which has a fuel inlet valve, a cylinder with a piston reciprocable therein, and a spring for yieldably holding the valve closed, of a device ment of the pedal in a direction that permits I tion engine which has a fuel inlet valve, a cylinder with a piston reciprocable therein, and a spring for yieldably holding the valve closed, of a device operable to periodically open the valve, a member reciprocable to control the extent to which the valve will be opened by said device, a manuallymovable element for operating said member, the

movement of the element in one direction being.

from a point at which the said member periodically transmits full opening movements to the operable to periodically open the valve, a member reciprocable to control the extent to which the valve will be opened by said device, a manuallymovable element for operating said member, the movement of the element in one direction being normally from a point at which the said member periodically transmits full opening movements to the valve, to a point at which it will transmit periodic opening movements thereto sufficient to admit fuel to the cylinder in quantity only for idling, and a spring normally limiting such movement of said element to its position at said idling point, the element being movable farther in said direction, to a point at which the said member is ineffective to open the valve through application of an abnormal force thereto.

4. The combination with an internal combustion engine which has a plurality of cylinders with pistons reciprocable therein and a fuel inlet valve of the poppet type for each cylinder, springs for yieldably holding the valves closed, and cams for opening the valves, a wedge-like lifting element for each valve, a cam shaft having cams respectively engageable with said elements, to periodically effect opening of the valves, a rock shaft having crank arms, links connecting the crank arms to the lifting elements, for shifting said elements longitudinally of their axes, to thereby normally vary the extent to which the valves are opened by the cams, a. pivotally-mounted foot pedal having link connection with an arm on the crank shaft, to oscillate the shaft and thereby shift the wedge elements, a spring yieldably holding the pedal in the position at which the lifting elements transmit motion from the cams only sufiicient to admit idling fuel to the cylinder, and a spring stop yieldably resisting movement of the pedal past said idling position, to a pointat which the lifting elements are withdrawn to their inoperative positions, the said springs being positioned at opposite sides of the pivotal support for the pedal. 3

GEORGE E. HOWARD. 

